Description

The T-64A (1971) is a Rank VI Soviet medium tank with a battle rating of 9.3 (AB/RB/SB). It was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A". The T-64 can be played in all roles. It has good firepower, armour and mobility(except reverse speed). The T-64A can be played as a sniper with one of the fastest round in game (1800 m/s). It can be a brawler with its good armour and excellent reload speed(7.1s). It can flank with the good mobility, but the KPz/MBT-70 will do that before the T-64A can, so only flank if the opportunity is presented.

The T-64A presents a design that is reminiscent of some Soviet tanks seen in the contemporary period. The tank's overall color scheme presents a default camouflage of the same dull green seen on nearly all other prior Soviet tanks.

Compared to all other Soviet medium tanks prior, the T-64A suspension system uses multiple small wheels and rollers rather than the huge wheels. While this allowed better flotation, it does leave more of the side hull vulnerable to attack straight at without worry of hitting the tracks or suspension. That is when the set of protections come in to the T-64A for this side armour, the "flaps" on the side hull. This do not seem like very much on an armour standpoint, their purpose is to protect the tank against HEAT warheads from tank shells and even anti-tank missiles, detonating the sensitive shells far enough that the resulting penetrative material does not reach the armour.

Two long tubes extend from the back of the T-64A. One is on the turret, which is the container housing the snorkeling gear for the tank in deep wading procedures. The other on the turret is the familiar log that comes nearly standard with Soviet/Russian vehicle, used for removing the vehicle of it gets stuck in mud or other nasty terrain attributes.

The T-64A has the advantage of composite armour over most of its front glacis and turret, but this does not cover all sections! There are no composite on the lower front plate for example, so rounds able to go through ~200 mm should be able to get through there. On the other hand, if in possession of a tank with APFSDS ammunition that could penetrate more than 320 mm, than it is possible to slice through the front plate composite armour as well. HEAT ammunition is finicky as T-64A was built around protection specifications against shaped charges, the composite armour is 450 mm effective when against HEAT warheads and there are side flaps on the side hull to prevent even the chance of hitting the T-64A weaker side armour on the first try, although these side flaps are one-time use only so prolonged combat may have sheared these off already. Try to avoid aiming for the turret as it is the most protected area of the tank with a good portion covered by composite, leading to the need of massive amount of penetration to consider the turret a viable target, like the HOT missiles.

In a situation when the T-64A decides to hull-down and present as little of the front plate as possible, and in a tank unable to consider the turret the main target, there's little else to do but flank around and hit through the weaker side armour. Move in first and disable the gun, forcing the T-64A to repair the damaged gun barrel/breach. In this time, move around the T-64A as fast as possible. If caught unaware, the T-64A would have a harder time to withdraw as it has a rather poor reverse speed. Get around and plant a shell right into the center of the tank's side, which would certainly ignite one of the many ammunition stored in the autoloader carousel.

Machine guns

Usage in the battles

The most important thing about positioning the T-64A is to protect the lower front plate. There are no composite armour there so the need to protect this area against other Rank V-VI vehicles is a must. When positioning, also take into consideration the poor reverse speed of the T-64A. Have a good escape plan because once spotted, the enemies will try to outmaneuver the T-64A, and once they've managed to get to the sides, consider the lifespan of the T-64A limited.

Thankfully, the T-64A is quite versatile in its selection of tactics. It can be taken in an offensive role with its heavy armour and lead the attack on positions. During the movement, try to angle the tank roughly 15-20 degrees to use the side flaps effectively, especially when the enemy uses HEAT ammunition in the form of anti-tank missiles, though enemy tank HEAT and HESH shells would also be nullified like this. The T-64A can also be used defensively against the enemy opponents, letting them drive right into the sights of the 125 mm gun. With the enemy tanks like the MBT-70 and KPz-70, their high speed would encourage them to maneuvre around the battlefield swiftly, which could have them recklessly charged into a prepared gun position and be shot up.

When facing common enemy tanks:

MBT-70/KPz-70 - When facing the MBT-70/Kpz-70, the best place to shoot is the left turret cheek as this will knock out commander and gunner.